![Small kitchen island with white cabinets and black countertop. Small kitchen island with white cabinets and black countertop.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/DIY-Kitchen-Cabinets-Header3.jpg)
![Sam Raimondi contributorImage](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/DIY-Huntress-Headshot.jpg)
A Note From The Home Depot
In the midst of a major kitchen remodel and don’t know how to go about replacing your cabinets and countertops? Sam Raimondi of DIY Huntresshas you covered! Read below to learn some of her tips and tricks, in addition to some helpful tools The Home Depot has to offer to help create the kitchen of your dreams.
Installing Cabinets & Ordering Countertops from The Home Depot
![Small kitchen island with white cabinets and black countertop. Small kitchen island with white cabinets and black countertop.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/DIY-Kitchen-Cabinets-7.jpg)
Installing your own cabinets in your kitchen can save you a ton of money on your big renovation! And, with so many options to choose from on The Home Depot’s website, customizing and building your new kitchen is just a few steps away!
Step 1: Choosing Your Cabinets
![Woman drilling a nail into a cabinet drawer. Woman drilling a nail into a cabinet drawer.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/DIY-Kitchen-Cabinets-10.jpg)
When choosing cabinets for your kitchen, there are tons of different options for every budget and timeline. From budget-friendlyquick assemble cabinets to fully manufactured custom cabinetry, there’s a perfect option for every skill set, timeline, and project.
Step 2: Installing Cabinets
![Measurement tool on top of an open cabinet used to gauge length and width. Measurement tool on top of an open cabinet used to gauge length and width.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/DIY-Kitchen-Cabinets.jpg)
Whether you order fully assembled or ready-to-assemble cabinets, there are steps you’ll need to take to make sure you’re installing them properly.
First, use a stud finder to locate the studs in the wall directly behind your cabinets. You will need to screw your cabinets into these studs.
Tip: If you can, you may want to install wall cabinets first. That way you don’t have to lift cabinets above the base cabinets. However, it’s okay if you need to install the base cabinets first. I installed mine first to prepare for countertop measurements, which needed to be taken the day we installed.
![Woman drilling, installing a cabinet into a wall as a man holds the cabinet to support. Woman drilling, installing a cabinet into a wall as a man holds the cabinet to support.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/DIY-Kitchen-Cabinets-9.jpg)
First, measure the height of your base cabinet from the floor and mark it. Standard height for wall cabinets is 19 ½” above your base cabinets. So, mark this above the base cabinets and attach a ledger board. Use a level to make sure the board is straight. This will be your guide for your wall cabinets.
Once that’s in place, attach the cabinets to the wall. Ideally, you should be able to install these wall cabinets into studs. But, if you cannot, you can use anchors.
Step 3: Installing Base Cabinets
![Person using a Makita drill to insert nails into a wood panel. Person using a Makita drill to insert nails into a wood panel.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/DIY-Kitchen-Cabinets-3.jpg)
First, use a stud finder to locate the studs in the wall directly behind your cabinets. You will need to screw your base cabinets into these studs.
Next, use a level to check if your cabinets are level. If they are not, you can slide shims under your cabinets to help level them out. Once those cabinets are level, you can screw them into the studs.
![A Husky hammer laid on the floor against a wood slat. A Husky hammer laid on the floor against a wood slat.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/DIY-Kitchen-Cabinets-2.jpg)
Step 4: Adding Cabinet Trim
![Woman holding a filler piece against a wall to gauge spacing. Woman holding a filler piece against a wall to gauge spacing.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/DIY-Kitchen-Cabinets-12.jpg)
Sometimes when installing your cabinetry, you may see gaps in between your cabinets or walls. To fill these gaps, you can install filler pieces by nailing them into the adjoining cabinets or by gluing them onto backer boards that are screwed into the wall.
![Person using a Ryobi tool to install a filler board to the base of the cabinet. Person using a Ryobi tool to install a filler board to the base of the cabinet.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/DIY-Kitchen-Cabinets-13.jpg)
You can also hide the underside of the base cabinets by nailingtoe kicksto the cabinets.
Step 5: Installing Cabinet Hardware
![Person using a cabinet hardware jig. Person using a cabinet hardware jig.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/DIY-Kitchen-Cabinets-5.jpg)
![A person installing a black handle on the cabinet door. A person installing a black handle on the cabinet door.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/DIY-Kitchen-Cabinets-6.jpg)
Adding cabinet hardware is an easy way to elevate the look of any kitchen! In terms of installation, using a cabinet hardware jig is a great way to make sure the hardware is all installed consistently. You just set the size of your hardware, center it on your cabinet door or drawer, drill, and install!
Step 6: Ordering Countertops + Installation
![Corner of a black marble countertop. Corner of a black marble countertop.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/DIY-Kitchen-Cabinets-8.jpg)
When it comes to ordering countertops, The Home Depot makes the process a breeze! They have tons of materials, colors, and finishes to choose from for your next big project. You can use their countertop designing tool to choose your material, plug in your measurements, and customize your finishing touches. From here, The Home Depot will send an associate to your home to take some final measurements, and before you know it your countertops will be ready for delivery and installation!
Step 7: Finishing Touches
Now that your cabinets and counters are installed, it’s time for some finishing touches like your sink faucet!
![Sink faucet installed into counter with black marble countertops. Sink faucet installed into counter with black marble countertops.](https://contentgrid.homedepot-static.com/hdus/en_US/DTCCOMNEW/Articles/DIY-Kitchen-Cabinets-14.jpg)
I hope these tips and tools come in handy on your next project! Be sure to follow my kitchen renovation on @DIYHuntressand stay tuned as I document my entire Kitchen remodel process. You won't want to miss it!
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